Counter-Terrorism: The Enemy Within

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January 4, 2009: Although Israel has been able to keep Palestinian terrorists out of Israel for nearly five years, they have not been able to eliminate terror attacks on Israeli civilians. In fact, last year saw a sharp rise in terrorists deaths (to 36 dead Israelis, compared to 13 in 2007). In both 2008 and 2007, there was but one suicide bombing. While the number of rockets and mortar shells coming out of Gaza increased to 1,800 in 2008, the sharp increase in terrorism deaths was largely from attacks by Arabs living in Israel. The most dangerous are the 270,000 Arabs living in Jerusalem. These have become increasingly radicalized, which isn't surprising if you look at the Arab language electronic media (radio, video, Internet) coming out of Gaza and the West Bank. The message is basically "Death to the Jews" and "Destroy Israel." No subtlety at all, and the message is getting through to more Arabs. This includes the 874,000 Arabs, who are Israeli citizens, living in the rest of Israel. The younger men in this population are increasingly inclined to think, and act, as Islamic terrorists. Hamas and Hezbollah are the most enthusiastic supporters of terrorism inside Israel, so these two organizations have become a major target for Israeli counter-terror efforts.

 

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